Mondays with Saban: Iron Bowl week

For lack of a better term, Alabama coach Nick Saban had his "game-face" on during today's meeting with the media.

He was stern-faced and focused -- even more than usual -- and to the point. As a result, it was arguably the shortest Monday press conference of the season for Saban, who fielded questions about the rivalry with Auburn and number of other topics.

Here are your three points ...

1) 'NOT JUST ANOTHER GAME'

Forget Saban trying to pitch the Iron Bowl as something normal. Even he is willing to concede how special this game is to so many.

"It's not just another game," Saban said. "I think it's a great rivalry. It's something that we have a tremendous amount of respect for, in terms of what we learned last year in participating. These are two good teams and two good programs. A lot of the players know each other. It's a game that's about the players and hopefully we can get our team in a position to play excellent football in the game and that's what we want to try and do. We have a tremendous amount of respect for the rivalry, because we respect both schools and the tradition that both schools have and the support and passion the fans bring."

2) THE TUBERVILLE SITUATION

Saban was asked about the possible job uncertainly of Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville entering the Iron Bowl. It was a question he cut off quickly ...

"Tommy is a good friend," Saban said, "and I have a tremendous amount of professional respect for him. He's done a fantastic job at wherever he's coached as a head coach. I had a lot of respect for him when he was an assistant coach and a defensive coordinator. We want nothing but the best for his future. We have to compete in this game, and we'll both do the best job that we can, I'm sure, to help our teams have the best success that they can have."

3) INJURY UPDATE

All contributing Alabama players practiced today, though Saban did say that tailback Roy Upchurch (neck) and receiver Earl Alexander (ankle), both of whom missed the previous game, will have to "prove to themselves that they are healthy enough to play."

"But they have been cleared to practice and go full speed," Saban said.